Albany/Esperance Previews January 6th/7th

ALBANY THURSDAY

Albany is back on this Thursday with a seven event card with yet again only small fields. Smart mare Lady Lavenham resturns after two mid week city placings and steps up to 160-0m for her first attempt.

The day opens a 1200m 53-62 class over 1200m and Trimconnection never gets a better chance to break through. Main dangers are Le Freq racing first up, Alabamaramer, Briello and Disco Reveller. The maiden over 1200m sees Paul Hunter with strong claims in Toss N Spin, Marenzo and Ana's Honour Other cfhances include Emblet, Tsovies Joy, Solid Dan and Mr Cluedo in an open race.

The 1600m Maiden has Lunar Park dropping in class up against Stormy Sunset, Belles Fury, Smokey Bandit and Flying Duel all knocking on the door. As much of half the field have claims here in an open race. The Class 1 1100m also has many chances including Dark N Stormy, Classy Flirt, Halo Park, Honors Secret, Tiga Romano and Jake The Musk. Former Victorian Letdegoodtimesroll races first up.

The 62+ Hcp has the in form Pwakkers Back up against The Tax Man, I'm Here To Win, last start winner Bella Sempre and former city galloper Hermosa Corona. The 1500m 53-62 Hcp does not provide a lot of winners but Desert Oak the last start Maiden winner steps up against seasoned gallopers in Kings Tribute, Bombard, Chuck The Bird and Simply A Star.

Lady Lavenham will start short in the last, but she meets some seasoned gallopers in Savage Wolf, Jazzy Saint, Monsieur Blanc, Hacketts Heart, Cho Son, Midnight Touch and Dark Humour, so this will be no walk in the park for the four year old mare.

ESPERANCE FRIDAY

This Friday is race day at the Esperance Bay Turf Club. Due to the large amount of nominations the program has been expanded to an eight race card. The first race is scheduled for 1:31pm with racing continuing right through until the last at 5:57pm.



Race One is the Newtown / Condingup Football Club Maiden (1600m) and a field of thirteen will face the starter. Bradbury’s Chance ran a great race last start but has been allocated barrier eleven. The likes of El Serenata and Cut And Dried will appreciate the rise in distance and Lucky Bay looks well placed in gate three. Other chances look to be Snooza, That’s Why and Leidenwin, who made up many lengths at her last start.


Race Two is the Staines Esperance Maiden and there look to be three leading candidates. Gwen Ten debuted with a promising second and both Time To Front and Hi Dollie have been finishing their races off strongly. Ace Pilot showed speed at his Esperance debut and is worth considering for exotics from the pole position. The third is the Lila Ruby Rose Doutch Handicap and if Donnyonetime can repeat his last start performance he should be winning. Despite rising in class the four year old should set the pace and be very hard to catch. Summer Crossing and Donargy are both dropping in class while Comes Round, Kaszanka and Tashi Delek all have place claims.


Race Four is sponsored by Cranes Esperance Stock Transport and local mare Landmark Lady is shooting for a hat-trick of triumphs. Arcade Attraction looks suited and Super Bullant hasn’t been far away at recent runs. The Menace is an interesting runner resuming for leading trainer Brendan Corver. The fifth kicks off the Quaddie and is sponsored by Eljay’s Bar. My Girl Kate is likely to start favourite after a consistent start to the Esperance season. Parkside is proven at the track and resumes from barrier one while Corolla, Boyne River, Shameless Hussy and Algorism are all worth looking at for Quaddie calculations.


Race Six is the Maritime Union of Australia Handicap and Lyoveldio is sure to have plenty of support. The five year old has been in busy finishes at his last couple when 1st and 2nd. Jeux D’Esprit looks ready to fire and with the right run Western Crown will take holding off. The Reed Resources Handicap is for the open sprinters and He’s Smokin’ will be very hard to catch. The ten year old led throughout last week and once again will have his weight of 59.5kg significantly reduced with claiming apprentice Michael Grantham booked for the ride. Masters Seal rises in class but only has an impost of 54kg. Ron’s Gem and Just Sue are both going to be flooding home and Cyclonic Force is sure to be improved by her first up hitout too.


A field of ten have accepted for the Regional West Group Handicap and Stormy Express will take beating. He hasn’t had much luck at his three runs this season and with Russel Hanson on board he should be thereabouts again. Wing Star and Royal Wing both boast fine track records while Miss Alonso, Platinum Lad and Cyclos are also in with rough hopes.


Early tips ; Lucky Bay, Hi Dollie, Donnyonetime, Landmark Lady, My Girl Kate, Western Crown, Ron’s Gem and Royal Wing. BEST BET : Donnyonetime.


- Ryan Levitzke (race caller)